Every day we have a choice. We can support an up and coming podcaster, try a new family-run restaurant, join a boutique gym started by a local fitness champ or we could keep giving away our money to the handful of giants who already control so much of our commerce. Our daily decisions impact the kind world we live in; if we want a world where small businesses are growing and artists and creatives are thriving then we should support them with our time, money and attention. We’re proud to highlight inspiring creatives and entrepreneurs each week in Hidden Gems series. Check out some of our latest local gem features below.
Emory Saladin
I found my first construction job walking door-to-door looking for work. I walked into a store called ‘Hardcover’ and didn’t even know what they did there, but they hired me the next day as a hardwood and tile flooring installer. I worked there for a few years until my dad offered to help go to college. Read more>>
Markia McFadden
Hi my name is Markia McFadden, I am a Licensed Cosmetologist, but I specialize in waxing . I attended Paul Mitchell The School of Raleigh. Once you are close to graduation they have a job fair . All the local salons and different businesses in the industry would attend this event . Read more>>
Roshaun Williams
Introducing Mr. Don’s Famous Chicken and Ribs, a premier food truck in Durham, North Carolina, owned by Mr. Donald E. Brown Sr. and Ms. Roshaun A. Williams. Their mouthwatering menu features an irresistible selection of BBQ chicken, BBQ ribs, seafood and homemade sides all crafted to perfection. Donald and Roshaun, both born and raised in Durham, NC. Donald E. Brown Sr. Read more>>
Jim Moretz
RPM Neuromuscular Massage Therapy is a medical massage clinic that treats muscle and joint pain with a unique method I developed by applying principles from my PhD research in Embodied Cognitive Neuroscience to massage therapy. Read more>>
Lee Clayton
As I moved to stem in 2020 during covid I began looking for the nearest Ruritan Club. As I have been raised up around Ruritan all my life they stand for good food and fellowship and Goodwill towards the community. When I got there the club was struggling as the members were aging out. Read more>>
Sherenia Branche
I did not start this journey with a perfect blueprint. I started with a burden to serve, a heart for people, and a strong belief that real estate could be more than transactions. When I entered the industry, I quickly realized that many families, especially in smaller communities, did not just need an agent. They needed education. They needed guidance. Read more>>
Jae Edwards
I was noticed by a woman who was successful in the fitness industry in the 1990’s and asked was I that boxer guy. Read more>>
Quinandria Lee, Ed.S., LCMHC, LPC, NCC
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist and former School Counselor.; licensed in both South Carolina and North Carolina. I started my career as a Middle School Counselor following my passion of working with teens while they navigate puberty, identity exploration, building healthy friendships/relationships, beginning to identify who they are outside of their parents and families. Read more>>
Kara Taylor
I’m Kara Taylor, a private music lessons teacher and gigging musician based in Durham, North Carolina. I was raised in a family of musicians (and grew up in the family music business, “The Harmony House”) and started taking piano lessons at the age of four. I had the blessing of taking music lessons from that age through college on various instruments. Read more>>
Alyson Thomas
My name is Alyson Thomas. I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. I am a proud product of Detroit Public Schools, attending Ann Arbor Trail Middle School and Renaissance High School. Throughout school, I found a great interest in cosmetology, art, and healthcare. During high school, I participated in a collection of arts and extracurricular activities. Read more>>
Wendy Allen
With a background in costume design, I learned some rudimentary hat making skills while in college at UNC-Charlotte. I inherited my grandmother’s treadle loom around that time as well and had the opportunity to study with fiber artist Edwina Bringle. She loaned me a book about felting and I took that home with some equipment and taught myself to felt. Read more>>
Monica Yelin
I came to the United States from Colombia with $300 in my pocket and one suitcase. I didn’t fully understand the the system, but I believed in opportunity. Over time, I built a career working in the public sector with the U.S. Congress, in the private sector within the insurance industry, and in the political arena. Read more>>
Andrew Tripp
We started ElectaFile to make it easier for people to get into public service. We all think of candidates who run for office, but dozens of people often stand behind those candidates–families, friends, supporters, treasurers. And all of those people want to help. But help can get complicated when it comes to campaign finance reporting. Read more>>
Theresa Novicky
I first fell in love with makeup while living in New York City, where I had moved to pursue modeling. I appeared in several films including The Wolf of Wall Street, Ted, Paul Blart: Mall Cop, What’s Your Number?, and Bride Wars, and walked in shows like Betsey Johnson and appeared in the Lady Grace catalog. Read more>>
Kaitlin Harol
Village Salon opened in April of 2023, with $6,000 on a credit card and one employee! This year we were just shy of our $2,000,000.00 goal but we’ve added 2 employees since the start of the year and we’re lookin for more space! Read more>>
Selia d’Katzmeow – Burlesk Con of The Carolinas
Burlesk Con of The Carolinas is the result of decades of burlesque shows, festivals and reunions in the SouthEast. Notably, predecessors include Holy City Burlesque Festival in Charleston SC, Carolinas Burlesque Festival in Charleston SC (est.2011), and The Wiggle Room Burlesque Showcases at Heavy Rebel Weekender in Winston Salem NC (HRW Est. 2000). Read more>>
Gracie Torres
When I was a young kid, I wanted to be a ‘cowboy’. My mother decided to buy me a pony when I was 3 years old. With no horse knowledge, my parents did the best they could to help me follow my dreams. Read more>>
Yoana Nin
My journey has been shaped by many roles—immigrant, entrepreneur, mother, wife, author, and coach. When I moved to the United States, I had to rebuild everything from the ground up. Like many immigrant entrepreneurs, I learned quickly that if I wanted to create the life I dreamed of, I had to build it myself. Read more>>
Zacki Murphy
Dear Kristen, The attached article from the ‘Inspiring Local Gems’ section which has much detailed information about me. This is the best place to pull my bio. This article was originally published in 2018 by The Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. Here is a quick summary of the many hats I have worn: Raised between Chapel Hill and Hillsborough by Dr. Read more>>
Christina Edwards
In 2015, our family relocated to the Triangle region of North Carolina. Like many families, that transition involved selling one home and purchasing another. As we walked through that process ourselves, we experienced firsthand how overwhelming and emotional real estate transactions can be. Read more>>
Lee Anna Stoker
Lee Anna Stoker’s journey has been defined by a search for meaning and a relentless passion for freedom. From her early days as a student exploring alternative culture groups to her current role as a globally recognized community leader, Lee Anna has dedicated her life to loving people unconditionally and nurturing them toward maturity and personal wellbeing. Read more>>
Dr Lopamudra Das Roy
Dr. Lopamudra Das Roy, Founder and President of Breast Cancer Hub (BCH) established in 2017 in NC, traces her life’s mission to a moment that marked her forever. At the age of 12, Dr. Das Roy attended the funeral of a close friend’s mother. When she innocently asked about the cause of death, she was met with silence. Read more>>
Elizabeth Engler
I’ve always had a fascination with the operation of complex machinery. Like pretty much every kid, I loved playing with robots. When visiting a theme park, I always search out the hidden controls, sensors, panels, and robotic arms which create the experience. When we visit the James B. Hunt Jr. Read more>>
Stephen Broadwell
Agriculture has always held a strong influence throughout my life. Both of my grandfathers were farmers and builders. One of the most nonessential aspects of my grandfather’s farming included a string of about fifty ponies that I had the chore/pleasure of breaking from a young age. Read more>>
Nancy Padgett
Nancy Padgett is the NC Triangle Chapter Co-Director for Flashes of Hope for almost 20 years now. Read more>>
Houston Hinson
Our Story: The Roots of Carolina Turf Way back in 2010, Houston Hinson (our owner) decided to make some extra cash on the side to pay off his student loans from his finance degree at East Carolina University. Read more>>
LaDonna Standback
Over time, I began connecting with more and more people who were experiencing the same challenges with prioritizing their self-care and not really knowing where to begin. That is when I realized this could be something bigger than me. In 2023, I officially launched unEarth Body Care LLC as a nature-focused, aromatherapy-based brand centered on self-care, mental wellness, and intentional living. Read more>>
Anna Sullivan
I have been drinking matcha since 2016 and never truly loved it. I was at a cafe in Italy in 2023 and had a life changing matcha latte. After that I was hooked on finding the best matcha. I started learning more about matcha, making it at home, and got all of my friends hooked. Littlefoot Matcha was born in March 2025. Read more>>
Valerie Hobbs
Dynamix Performing Arts Academy is a family owned business. The Hobbs family began this dream of opening a performing arts studio back in 2018. Read more>>
